Settlement of protracted Karabakh conflict

The current statement of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs following the results of the meeting in Paris with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov differs little from previous reports on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Perhaps the only news from these talks was the meeting of mediators with the leadership of Armenia scheduled in June. The newly elected prime minister of this country has already distinguished himself by contradictory statements on the matter of the resolution of the Karabakh problem.

The fact that Nikol Pashinyan is not yet tuned to constructive talks of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is indicated by all his recent statements. In fact, he repeats the words of the previous leadership of Armenia. According to Russian expert in the field of international relations Dmitry Verkhoturov, Pashinyan's statements are no more than one of the political maneuvers, which will lead to nothing special. The newly elected Prime Minister will not be able to improve the economy of Armenia, the expert points out.

The economic situation of Armenia depends on Karabakh and, accordingly, the related issue of closing the borders. That is, in order to achieve a fundamental change in the economic situation, it is nevertheless necessary to resolve the Karabakh problem in such a way that Azerbaijan is satisfied. Then, yes, then it is possible to count on something and, as before, there will be stagnation with some Russian support,” Dmitry Verkhoturov said.

Commenting on the change of mood of Nikol Pashinyan towards Russia, in particular, his unexpected flattering testimonies about Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, Russian expert Dmitry Verkhoturov notes that Pashinyan is simply engaged in politicking, the worldview of the Armenian leader remains the same.

“His political capital, of course, he did in anti-Russian circles, in anti-Russian rhetoric. With the help of this capital, he climbed to the very top, but quickly realized that without Russian support, he absolutely does not shine, especially since Europe does not particularly help him,” Verkhoturov added.

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will try to understand the new politicians in the power of Armenia in June. For this period, they are scheduled to meet with Nikol Pashinyan. Speaking about the situation on the contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops, one can clearly say that there is no quiet there. Armed provocations of the Armenian side are daily, firing is suppressed by reprisal fire. Official Baku meanwhile reiterates its readiness for intensive negotiations.